Nyalaland Wilderness Trail

[ndloti]

There is only one way to get to Punda , in your case it is by rental vehicle as there is no public transport system within the Kruger .
The best way I could suggest is to take a flight from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa , from Phalaborwa it is approximately a 5 hour trip through the park at the speed limit of 50 km/h on black (paved) surfaced road to Punda Maria . This will necessitate spending the evening prior to the trail inside the KNP as the departure time for the trail is 3pm .

[100ponder]

Are there any record of fossils of extinct mammals found in KNP ?

[oddesy]

I read that on the Nyalaland trail two types of fossilised dinosaurs can be seen, but unfortunately I dont know any more than that.

[100ponder]

Why I ask is that the Bloemfontein museum had a display in the late eighties or some extinct buffalo remains with horns approx 2.5 to 3 meter wide which were locally found.

Also a large elephant tusk - if I remember correctly, from a road cutting in the Bethlehem area.

The Fossil Park close to Langebaan Air Force Training School has some very interesting fossils of a giraffe like animal as well as African Bear and a Sable Toothed Tiger like animal as well as hundreds of miniature mammals.

But so far I was unable to find any info of KNPs past mammals.

[ndloti]

Nyalaland wilderness trail , Jan 1988 .
Walking along a steep , well used , rocky animal path which was the only route up onto the plateau we heard trumpeting elephants approaching , just in time the ranger took us onto higher ground and we were treated to the sight of a breeding herd , they were agitated and trumpeted and milled around when they got our scent but we were relatively safe as big rocks blocked the way between us ...

We rested at these beautiful rock pools (one of many) on the plateau for a while while to calm our nerves ... unmatched beauty and exhilaration within 30 minutes .

[heritagearts]

Has anyone been to this camp lately? Was it damaged during the floods? What can we expect in October?

[Stephens.L]

Dear Ndloti

Please note that Nyalaland is still closed until further notice. We have not yet started with renovations as the priority is on Shingwedzi and other bush camps which were affected by the floods. We will keep you guys posted once there are developments on Nyalaland.

[Imberbe]

You are going to enjoy the new site!

It is hosted in a site erected by the SANParks Honorary Rangers recently and you will be staying in tents provided by the SHR.

A true bush experience!

[JenniB]

I like the sound of the tents, Imberbe - I'm just worried that the location might be too near Mopani camp, the road and civilization, and not a real "wilderness" experience.

[Imberbe]

It is in the Mopanie area, but it is not close to Mopanie and the camp will have no impact.

It is however close to a public road. It is a dirt road and not a busy road. It should have a very limited impact on your experience. To reach the walking areas you will either walk out of camp away from the direction of the road or cross it while travelling on a no entry road.

I suspect it is probably the most authentic bush experience one can currently have in KNP, except for the back pack trails.

[heritagearts]

Now I am concerned about our planned wilderness experience at Nyalaland in October. With the announcement of Nyari rustic camp by the Honorary Rangers near Phalaborwa gate and the previous posts, I may need to change my reservations. We plan to stay in Punda Maria prior to departing to Nyalaland, but it seems that Nyari as the substitute camp is way to far to travel in a day. Can someone give me an idea where Nyari is located and the distance from PM. Maybe Nyalaland will be ready by October, but I know how difficult it is to change our accomodations.

[johanrebel]

we were looking forward to ... especially Lanner Gorge.

Even if Nyalaland has been operational, you would have been lin for a very stiff hike. I stand to be corrected, but I don't believe Lanner Gorge is normally visited on this trail. It would entail driving past Thulamela as far as the management road goes, and then walking along a route that is far from easy and certainly not short.

Johan

[Stephens.L]

Hi, Jaytea

Punda Maria is perfect for you. This morning we were moving from Nyari Tented camp next to Mopani to new trails camp called Nyalaland Fly camp. It is situated three kilometres from the original Nyalaland Wilderness Trail. The departure point is Punda Maria. We have noticed that by having this temporary camp far away from Punda Maria inconvenience people who made their reservations before this changes.

[Stephens.L]

Stephens.L , is the Nyalaland being rebuilt on the same location as the original camp or will the fly camp replace the old camp ?

Dear Ndloti

Nyalaland is being rebuilt at its original place. The fly camp is few kilometres from the Nyalaland Wilderness Trail.

[heritagearts]

We enjoyed the Nyalaland Wilderness Trail Oct 13-16 2013. IT WAS FABULOUS!!!!.
It is the newest location for the temporary camp and not far from Punda Maria.
The camp is beautiful.
It sits on the banks of the Luvuvhu River and has a stunning view.
The facilities were well set up, the tents were comfortable, well apart from each other and the facilities were clean and totally acceptable.
I would tell you all the good things about it but it would ruin the excitement for you.
David and Steven (from Olifants) were our guides.
They made our experience one of the best times we have had at KP.
I would highly recommend this trail. Have fun!